"In many communities, the debate over whether to build compactly—up rather than out—is over. The debate now focuses on where to increase density and how best to encourage, facilitate, and plan compact developments,” notes Richard Haughey, author of Getting Density Right: Tools for Creating Vibrant Compact Development, a new publication published by the Urban Land Institute (ULI) with the National Multi Housing Council (NMHC).

Developed as a toolkit, Getting Density Right was written for land use and design professionals, as well as government officials and community leaders. The book describes the successful methods used in jurisdictions across the country to enact policies, programs, and regulations that support compact development, including codes, zoning, development types, density and design strategies, financial incentives, and planning programs.

The book also contains a two-DVD set with a PowerPoint presentation entitled "A Plan for Tomorrow". Designed to help local officials overcome opposition to compact development, the presentation was produced by NMHC in conjunction with ULI and the Sierra Club. It uses photos and other visuals to illustrate how high-density, desirable neighborhoods contribute to enhanced quality of life while preserving natural resources. The PowerPoint can be customized for a variety of audiences.

Getting Density Right also includes detailed case studies profiling the experiences of eight communities. Each case study describes the innovative policy tools used to encourage compact development and the projects built under these new policies.